Claritin vs. Xyzal

See how Claritin and Xyzal compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Claritin and Xyzal are over-the-counter antihistamines that treat seasonal and year-round allergies and chronic hives, but they differ in how likely they are to cause drowsiness.

  • Claritin is labeled non-sedating, while Xyzal's label specifically warns against driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

  • Xyzal comes in three dosing strengths for finer adjustment, while Claritin offers two doses and a simpler, longer-established OTC track record.

Claritin vs. Xyzal Drug Summary

Claritin

Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation, non-sedating H1 antihistamine used to relieve seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It's taken once daily as a 10 mg tablet, chewable, dissolving tablet, or syrup, with a lower 5 mg dose available for mild cases or specific age groups.

Xyzal

Xyzal (levocetirizine) is an H1-antihistamine that treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and the skin symptoms of chronic hives. It's taken once daily, usually in the evening, as a 5 mg tablet or oral solution, with lower 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg doses used for children or reduced kidney function.

Claritin vs. Xyzal Side Effects

Claritin

Most common
somnolence (up to 8%)
fatigue (up to 4%)
dry mouth (up to 3%)
headache (up to 12%)

Xyzal

Most common
somnolence (≥2%)
fatigue (≥2%)
dry mouth (≥2%)
nasopharyngitis (≥2%)

Claritin vs. Xyzal Dosage

Claritin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 10 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Xyzal

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1.25 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 5 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Claritin vs. Xyzal Indications

Claritin

Claritin is FDA-approved for temporary relief of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. It's also approved to reduce itching and hives from chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is not approved for asthma or common cold symptoms.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and itching

  • Not approved for asthma or the common cold

Xyzal

Xyzal is FDA-approved to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including sneezing and nasal congestion. It also treats the uncomplicated skin symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is not approved for infants under six months old.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Uncomplicated skin symptoms of chronic hives

  • Not approved for infants under 6 months

Claritin vs. Xyzal Pros and Cons

Claritin

Claritin has a long track record as an OTC, non-sedating antihistamine with a simple two-dose lineup and no driving warning on its label. It's widely available in multiple forms, including chewables and syrup, making it easy to dose for both adults and children.

Pros

  • Labeled non-sedating with no warning against driving

  • Available in tablet, chewable, dissolving, and syrup forms

  • Simple two-strength dosing (5 mg or 10 mg)

Cons

  • Somnolence still reported in up to 8% of users

  • Fewer dosage strengths for fine-tuning than Xyzal

  • Less detailed renal-adjustment guidance on the label

Xyzal

Xyzal offers three dosing strengths, allowing more precise adjustment for children, older adults, or people with reduced kidney function. Its label includes explicit contraindications for severe kidney disease and dialysis patients, giving clearer guidance in those situations.

Pros

  • Three dosing strengths (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg) for tailored dosing

  • Clear contraindication guidance for severe kidney disease

  • Available as tablet or oral solution for flexible dosing

Cons

  • Label warns against driving or hazardous activities until effects are known

  • Typically higher cost, roughly $15 to $45 per month

  • Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to cetirizine as well as levocetirizine

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